Friday, August 3, 2007

Bridge blues

I was horrified and saddened to learn about the bridge collapse in Minnesota. This is actually the same highway I drive on several times a week, except it's about 1,500 miles south of where the collapse occurred. While the collapse of one bridge does not automatically mean other bridges are in danger, this is as good a time as any to look at bridge safety overall. The picture is not pretty--according to Burnt Orange Report (using Federal Highway Authority reports), 193 bridges were rated as "structurally deficient" by the Department of Transportation in 2006. I've had a hard time making it through the 33-page report, so I don't know if any ofthesixbridgesIfrequent made the list. I will eventually find out, but that's not really the issue--all bridges should be routinely maintained and checked for safety standards. Tell your representatives.

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"When someone is 55% right, that's very good and there's no use wrangling. And if someone is 60% right, it's wonderful, it's great luck, and let him thank God. But what's to be said about 75% right? Wise people say this is suspicious. Well, and what about 100% right? Whoever says he's 100% right is a fanatic, a thug, and the worst kind of rascal"

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About Me

I enjoy a good debate about current events. Do not call me "conservative" or "liberal," as those words have no meaning to me. I welcome all views here and only have one rule: if you disagree with what I say and feel a need to comment, please comment on what I say, not on who or what you think I am. This country is going somewhere in a handbasket, to be sure, in large part because people who disagree on important (and not-so-important) issue cannot discuss said issues like adults, without resort to insults and name-calling. I would very much like to provide hope that we can get out of the handbasket.